Gas treatment element and a method of forming a gas treatment element

Abstract

A method of forming a gas treatment element for use in a gas treatment apparatus, such as a desiccant dryer, is disclosed. The element is formed by casting a sheet material by phase inversion of a dope mixture including a solvent, an adsorbent material such as a desiccant and a polymer binder. Layers of the sheet material are located adjacent one another and this is most readily achieved by rolling the sheet material to form the gas treatment element.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An element for a pressure swing adsorption gas treatment apparatus, the element comprising at least one sheet material including at least one adsorbent material and at least one binder, the sheet material having an embossed pattern with indentations on one side and matching protrusions on the other side, the sheet being rolled to have a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially spiral-shaped cross-section, wherein the element is configured such that spaces between adjacent layers of said rolled sheet provide pathways for gases passing axially along said element. 
     
     
       2. An element according to  claim 1 , further comprising a central member around which said sheet material is wound. 
     
     
       3. An element according to  claim 1 , further comprising a tubular vessel for containing said layers of said sheet material. 
     
     
       4. An element according to  claim 1 , wherein said binder comprises at least one polymer. 
     
     
       5. An element according to  claim 1 , wherein said adsorbent material comprises at least one desiccant material. 
     
     
       6. An element according to  claim 1 , further comprising a tubular vessel having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. 
     
     
       7. An element according to  claim 1 , wherein said sheet material is formed by phase inversion. 
     
     
       8. An element according to  claim 1 , wherein the indentations and the matching protrutions have a diamond shape.